INTRODUCTION TO THE
FAMILY OBEDIENCE TITLE (FO)
The
Family Obedience class is a training title that is designed around the training
needs of a family companion dog. This title requires a handler with his/her dog
to perform a series of basic and practical obedience exercises that have been
chosen as essentials for having a well-behaved, family companion dog. In
addition, the Family Obedience Title has a difficulty level suitable for
introducing new people to the benefits and pleasures of dog training and a
title that teaches the basic fundamentals for obedience training.
|
SPECIAL NOTE! The judge or trial
steward may provide assistance and explanation of all required exercises for
handlers who are first time participants at an SDA trial. The Family Obedience
title will allow for the judge or trial steward to call out the motion
exercises for the heeling pattern if requested. All other exercises can be
explained but after instruction the dog/ handler team are to perform on their
own. Some minor verbal assistance may be provided; this assistance is for
beginning titles or for handlers performing for their first time at a SDA
Trial. |
Obedience Exercises |
Points |
|
Practical Obedience Exercises |
Points |
Reporting to the Judge |
5 |
|
|
|
Heeling On Leash
|
20 |
|
Gate Exercise
|
10 |
Sit out of Motion
|
15 |
|
Vehicle Exercise |
10 |
Down & Recall
|
20 |
|
Food Exercise |
10 |
Long
Down
|
10 |
|
|
|
TOTAL POINTS |
70 |
|
TOTAL POINTS |
30 |
A.
General Rules for Family Obedience (FO):
1. Two Part Exercise:The family obedience class is made up of two parts, basic
obedience exercises and practical obedience exercises.
2. Reporting: Handler/dog teams will report to the Steward station just
prior to beginning to start of the competition. The Steward will inspect the
equipment, to assist the handler in compliance with these rules and will indicate
any necessary changes or additions. The Steward will indicate to the handler
where to report to the Judge. Although the dogs are not being judged, dogs are
expected to be under control and show good manners.
3. Scoring note: The score sheet for each exercise
has multiple listed features that the judge is required to assess to determine
point deductions. However, the judge must also assess major or minor
imperfection deductions that are not listed on the score sheet for any other
deviations from the ideal performance.
4. Neutrality Test: During its entire performance a dog
is under the neutrality test. A dog that shows extreme aggression, fear,
shyness or whose demeanor gives the Judge reason to believe that the dog may
not safely be judged may be given a non-qualifying score and excused from the
ring and further participation in that trial.
5.
Practical Exercises: The judge will determine where the practical
obedience exercises are to be performed.
6. Call Name: A handler may use the dog’s name prior
to any command.
7. Sitting and Staying: In all instances where the
dog is to “sit” the handler may give the dog one verbal command to sit and at
the same time may apply a slight leash encouragement. In instances where the
handler is required to leave the dog, the handler may give the dog a “stay”
command. The only exception to the above in the Family Obedience title is the
sit out of motion; a stay command is not allowed!
8. Halt: every "halt" requires the dog to sit in the basic position.
9. Acknowledging the
judge and critique: For the FO obedience exercises all handlers are responsible for
acknowledging the judge for instructions on when to report and when concluding
the routine. The Judge shall instruct all dog/handler teams where and when to
report to receive a critique of the performance and the announcement of the
score.
B. Obedience Routine.
1. Reporting to the Judge. The primary purposes of this exercise is to
show that the dog/handler team can demonstrate proper heeling and control of a
dog while reporting to the judge. In addition, this exercise will be used as a
starting point for evaluating temperament and for determining whether the
dog/handler team, are suitable for continuing the performance. Dogs that
display extreme shyness or extreme aggression must be excused from further
participation.
a. Judge’s Instructions. The judge’s instructions for this exercise include the
following: the judge indicates to the handlers when and where to report, when
to begin the exercise, where to report for on-leash leash heeling and where to
report for conducting the long down.
b. Reporting Exercise. The Obedience phase starts with two
dog/handler teams reporting to the judge. The handlers report with their dogs
on leash, demonstrating proper heeling. Once reaching the judge, each handler
halts with the dog sitting in the basic position and maintaining the sit
throughout the introduction. Handlers are responsible for a formal introduction
that includes introducing themselves, giving the dog’s name, and stating the
class for which they are reporting. After the introductions, the judge
indicates which team reports for the heeling exercise and which team reports
for the long down or honoring exercise. When the handlers reach the correct
area specified by the judge, the handlers acknowledge the judge for
instructions on when to down the dog and when to start the heeling on leash
exercise. The reporting exercises ends for each dog handler team when they
reach the designated area for starting the next exercise and acknowledge the
judge.
c. Scoring the Reporting
to the Judge Exercise. This exercise is evaluated primarily on the ability of the dog/handler
team to perform a formal introduction to start the routine. The judge evaluates
heeling, introduction procedure, and the dog’s behavior during introductions.
The dog should display neutral, well-mannered behavior toward the judge and
other dog/handler team.
Note: If a dog is ruled unruly or out of control, the judge may excuse the dog
and handler from performing any further exercises.
1) Non-qualifying (Zero) Score.
The following must be given a zero on
this exercise:
a) Dog is ruled out of control.
b) Dog refuses to sit even with
leash assistance.
c) Handler uses excessive force to
sit the dog.
d) Handler allows his or her dog
to strongly interfere with the other dog
handler team.
e) Rough treatment of a dog by a
handler.
2) Major Imperfections. The following will be
assessed as major imperfections:
a) Dog is very slow to sit.
b) Handler gives an extra command.
c) Improper heeling approaching or leaving the Judge.
d) Handler doesn’t know the routine.
3) Minor Imperfections. The following will be
assessed as minor imperfections:
a) Dog’s heeling could be better.
b) Dog is dull and needs more enthusiasm.
c) Dog moves slightly during the sit.
d) Dog sits crooked.
2. Long Down or Honoring.
The primary element of this exercise is to demonstrate the downed dog’s ability
to remain in the down position while distracted by the presence of another
dog/handler team.
a. Judge’s Instructions.
The judge indicates where to perform the long down, when the exercise begins,
when to re-sit the dog from the down, when the exercise is finished, and where
to report.
b. Long Down or
Honoring Exercise.
The long down or honoring exercise starts after the handler reaches the
designated area. After acknowledging the judge, the handler with a single voice
or signal command (not both) commands the dog to down. The handler remains
beside the dog holding the leash or may drop the leash by the dog and stand on
it; the leash must remain loose and not restrain the dog. The dog must
remain in its assigned position while the other dog handler/team performs their
routines. After the other dog/handler team completes the Down With Recall
Exercise, the handler acknowledges the judge and on the judge’s orders the
handler verbally commands the dog to sit. The handler acknowledges the judge
and waits for judge’s orders to report for the next exercise.
c. Scoring the Long Down
or Honoring Exercise.
The honoring exercise is primarily evaluated on the ability of the dog to
demonstrate a long down while the other dog/handler team performs their
required exercises. The exercise evaluation begins when the handler
acknowledges the judge to start the exercise. The dog should down quickly and
remain calm and stationary.
1) Non-Qualifying (Zero) score. The following must be
given a zero on this exercise:
a) Dog refuses to down even with leash assistance. 2) Major Imperfections. The
following will be assessed as major imperfections:
a) Dog needs a double command to down. 3) Minor
Imperfections. The following will be assessed as minor imperfections: a) Dog is slow to down. 3. Heeling on Leash.
The primary purposes of this exercise is to demonstrate the ability of the dog
and handler to work smoothly as a team and the ability of the dog to stay in
the proper heeling position. Handlers should use the same hand holding the
leash that the dog is heeling own; in addition the handler should walk freely
with both arms moving freely as if the dog wasn’t there. a. Judge’s
instructions. The
Judge’s instructions for this exercise are the following: the Judge will
indicate to the handler where to start, when to start, when to restart after
each halt and when the exercise is complete. c. Scoring the Heeling on Leash
Exercise. The
dog should always heel close to the left knee of the handler and the shoulder
blade of the dog should be aligned next to the handler’s knee. Dogs that
demonstrate positive, energetic, and attentive attention to the handler are
very desirable for awarding full points. 1) Non-qualifying (Zero)
scores. The following must be given zero score on this exercise:
a) Handler giving dog constant or repeated extra commands or signals. 2) Major and Minor
Imperfections. Imperfections may be major or minor depending on the extent
of the following:
a) A handler who moves forward and then gives a “heel” command shall be penalized
a major imperfection. f) Failure to change pace by the dog or handler
during the heel on leash. 4. Sit Out of Motion. The principal
purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the dog’s ability to perform heeling
and upon a verbal command or a verbal command with a small leash encouragement,
perform a stationary sit while the handler precedes in straight line a minimum
of 10 or maximum of 15 paces without stopping. Once reaching the required
distance, the handler will turn and face the dog. The dog must remain sitting
in stationary position until the judge orders the handler to return to proper
heel position and dismisses the exercise. a. Judge’s
Instructions. The
orders for this exercise are: The judge will indicate the position to start the
exercise, when to start, when the handler may return to the dog after the sit
and when the exercise is complete. 1)
Non-qualifying (Zero) score. The following must be given a zero score on
this exercise:
a) Handler gives more than two commands to sit. 2)
Major Imperfections. The following will be assessed as major imperfections:
a) The dog does not sit, but stands or lies down. 3)
Major or Minor Imperfections. Imperfections may be major or minor depending
on the extent of the deviation from the ideal performance. Deductions shall be
assessed for the following:
a) The dog moves prior to the heel command. f) Overall performance is not well executed. 5. Down with Recall.
The primary purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate that a handler with
his/her dog can perform formal heeling, leave the dog in a down position and
recall the dog to his or her position to re-attach a leash without moving from
a stationary position. a. Judge’s Instructions. The judge will
indicate to the handler where to start, when to start, when to recall the dog,
and when the exercise is finished. 1)
Non-qualifying (Zero) score. The following must be given a zero score on
this exercise:
a) Handler gives an extra command or signal to “stay” after leaving the dog. 2)
Major Imperfections. The following will be assessed as major deductions:
a) Improper heeling throughout the routine. d)
The dog moves a substantial distance in the down by crawling or creeping. e)
The dog stands prior to recall. f)
Handler gives the down command prior to removing the leash. g)
The dog is very slow coming to the handler and if the handler moves any
distance from the original recall position 3)
Minor Imperfections. The following will be assessed as minor deductions:
a) Slow down. Concluding the basic
obedience routine for both dog handler teams. The Basic Obedience Routine ends
when both dog handler teams have completed all required exercises. The handlers
will then report to the judge for instructions for performing the practical
obedience routines. C. Practical Obedience Routine. The
Practical Obedience Routines are a series of exercises that are considered
essentials for a family companion dog. These exercises include a handler unlatching
a gate, formally heeling a dog through a gate and latching the gate again all
the while the dog being under control and command; then, loading a dog into and
out of a vehicle exercise with the dog under control and command. Finally, a
food exercise where the dog must perform a down stay until food is prepared.
Each exercise has practical applications to everyday life with a family
companion dog. 1. Gate. The primary purpose of this
exercise is for the handler and dog to demonstrate a designed procedure for
approaching a closed gate, passing through it to the other side, and re-closing
the gate. a. Judge’s Instructions.
The Judge will indicate where to start, when to start, and when the exercise is
finished. 1)
Non-qualifying (Zero) Scores. The following must be giving a (zero) score
on this exercise:
a) The dog moves or leaves the sit-stay position and cannot be reclaimed by the
handler calling the dog with no more than three commands to come. 2) Major
Imperfections. Major imperfections will include the following: a) The dog downs or stands up as the handler
returns to the dog. 3. Major or Minor
Imperfections. Assessments may be major or minor depending on the extent of
the deviation from the ideal.
a) Handler doesn’t acknowledge the judge. 2. Loading Into and Out of a
Vehicle. The
primary element of this exercise is to demonstrate the dog’s ability to perform
a designed procedure for loading into and out of a vehicle without jumping on
the vehicle but being under obedience control the entire time. The handler and
dog should work as a team demonstrating a procedure that protects both the
vehicle from damaged and the dog from being injured entering or exiting a
vehicle. a. Judge’s
Instructions.
The Judge will indicate when and where to start, when to command the dog back
out of the vehicle, and when to proceed to the next and last exercise. 1. Non-qualifying (Zero)
scores. The following must be given a zero score on this exercise: a)
The dog leaves the sit-stay position and cannot be recalled by the handler, the
handler will be allowed three commands to reclaim the dog. d)
The dog leaves the handler and bothers another dog, handler, or judge.
e) Any serious out of control aggression will result in the judge dismissing the dog from the trial. 2. Major Imperfections.
Major imperfections shall be assessed for the following: a)
Dog stands up as the handler returns to the dog. h)
Dog enters or exits the vehicle prior to command. 3. Minor Imperfections. Deductions
shall be assessed for all of the following: a) Any small deviation from the ideal performance
could result in a minor deduction. 3. Food Preparation. The primary
purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate that a handler and dog can perform a
series of obedience exercises that enable a handler to place a dog in a
down/stay near a food container, while the handler takes food out of the
container, places it on the ground near the container, and the dog remains in a
stationary position not interfering with the handler. a. Judge’s Instructions. The Judge’s orders for this
exercise include the following: the judge will indicate where and when to
start, when the exercise is complete and where to report for receiving a
critique, or announcing the score. 1) Non-qualifying (Zero)
scores. The following must be given zero score on this exercise. a)
The dog leaves the down position while the handler is approaching the
container. 2) Major Imperfections. Major
imperfections shall be assessed for the following: a)
The dog takes a double command to down. 3) Minor Imperfections. The
judge will assess minor imperfections for any of the following: a) Handler doesn’t acknowledge the judge. Concluding: The
judge will inform the handlers where to report for critiques and announcement
of the score. The judge will have the option of providing a detailed critique,
a short summary, or simply announcing the score of the performance of each
handler and dog team. Handlers may request an individual critique or review of
the performance with the judge if a critique is not provided. The judge will
determine the time and place for any individual reviews. Note: The judge’s score is final. Respect and good
sportsmanship must be displayed by all parties at all times
b) Handler uses excessive force to make the dog down.
c) Dog moves substantially or stands up before the other dog/handler team
has completed half of their routine.
b) Handler uses too much body language when giving the down command.
c) Dog is very slow to down.
d) Dog moves a substantial distance by creeping or crawling.
e) The handler uses leash assistance in downing the dog
f) Dog refuses to re-sit and the handler pulls the dog back up to the sit
position.
b) Dog moves slightly.
c) Dog whines or barks excessively.
d) Dog’s re-sit is slow.
e) Dog’s performance is dull or sluggish.
b. Heeling on-Leash Exercise. It is the handler’s responsibility to
perform the routine as instructed below without direction from the judges, with
the exception to restart after each halt and if the handler is new to the sport
or his or her first trial with SDA. The handler will start the Heeling on Leash
exercise from the location indicated by the judge. The handler will acknowledge
the judge and start the exercise from the basic position. The dog on leash
should perform willingly, and it is preferred that the dog freely heel with the
handler upon the voice command to heel. At the beginning of the exercise, the
handler must precede in a straight line 40 to 50 normal paces without stopping.
At this point, a turnabout (right about turn or left about turn are allowed) is
performed and after 10 to 15 additional paces of normal heeling, a running
exercise and a slow exercise, each of at least 10 to 15 paces are to be
demonstrated. The handler must go directly from the fast pace to the slow pace.
Each change of pace allows for the handler to give a single heel command. After
demonstrating the slow pace, the handler must continue at normal pace another
10 to 15 paces, then perform a right turn for 10 to 15 paces, followed with
another right turn, continue forward for another 20 paces, then perform a left
or right turn about and continue another 10 to 15 paces and halt. Once the
judge indicates the team to continue, the team will heel another 10 to 15 paces
then perform a left turn and continue heeling into a group of markers. The markers shall be rubber cones or
similar objects placed in on the corners of a rectangle approximately eight to
ten square feet. When entering the rectangle, a right and left turn must be
demonstrated around the markers so as to traverse a complete and closed figure
eight. After the turns the handler halts and the dog sits (in the basic position)
within the center area of the rectangle. The handler acknowledges the judge,
continues heeling back to the original starting position, and halts. The
handler then acknowledges the judge for concluding the exercise.
b) Handler constantly guiding or tight leash.
c) Handler slapping the leg or snapping fingers excessively.
d) Handler continually adapting pace to dog.
e) The dog must be given a zero score for “unqualified heeling” when it breaks” or leaves the
handler’s side and cannot regain its composure and resume heeling.
b) The dog moving out
of proper heel position before it is given a command or signal from the
handler.
c) The dog anticipating command or signal.
d) The dog crowding the handler, forgoing, heeling wide, heeling in improper
position, lagging, poor sit, sniffing, and any additional heeling
imperfections.
e) Occasional tight leash.
g) Handler giving extra commands or signals.
h) The dog sniffing a Steward or a cone during the figure eight exercise.
i) Lacks natural smoothness.
b. Sit Out of Motion Exercise. The handler and dog on leash will report to the
designated area for performing the exercise. The handler will acknowledge the
judge and, from the basic position, the handler will command the dog to heel
and will proceed in a straight line for a minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces.
The handler will give a voice command and option of adding a small leash
encouragement that commands the dog to sit. The dog should come quickly into a
sit position while the handler does not interrupt his or her pace nor turn
about. After another minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces the handler stops and
turns around to face the dog. Approximately 3 seconds is observed before the
judge instructs the handler to return to the dog and assume the basic heeling
position on the right side of the dog. The handler will then acknowledge the
judge for concluding the exercise. A period of approximately 3 seconds must
pass before the handler acknowledges the judge.
c. Scoring the Sit Out of Motion Exercise. Scoring of this exercise starts after the judge acknowledges
the handler to start. The judge will be evaluating the entire exercise,
heeling, response to the sit command, handler’s actions and the behavior and
performance of the dog. Dogs that demonstrate positive, energetic, attentive
behavior toward the handler and perform with quick responses will receive the
most points.
b) The dog moves a substantial distance away from the place where it was
sitting.
c) The dog does not sit but continues with the handler.
b) Handler gives too hard of a leash encouragement.
c) The dog does not maintain proper heeling position.
d) The dog sits extremely slowly.
e) The dog lies down before the exercise is complete.
f) Handler turns and looks back at the dog when the sit command is given or while leaving the dog.
g) Handler gives an additional command.
h) The handler interrupt their pace giving the sit command or turns back sitting the dog with leash.
b) The dog sits slow or moves slightly.
c) The dog whines or barks.
d) Handler does not acknowledge the judge for starting and finishing the
exercise.
e) The dog shows pressure when the handler returns.
b. Down With Recall Exercise. The Down with Recall exercise starts
with the handler reporting to the starting position assigned by the judge. The
exercise starts by acknowledging the judge with dog in the basic position. The
handler and his/her dog will demonstrate formal heeling in a straight line for
minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces and then halt/sit. The handler will remove
the leash, put it away, and give the dog a verbal command to down. The handler
will then leave the dog and proceed walking in a straight line a minimum of 30
paces and then turn and face the dog. Upon the judge’s instructions, the
handler will recall the dog to his or her position. Small verbal or physical
encouragements are allowed. The dog must come to a position close enough to
allow the handler to attach the leash without the handler moving from their
stationary position, handler then acknowledges the judge and waits for the judge’s indication to
report with their dog to the long down (honor) exercise, or back to the judge
for completion of the basic obedience exercise. The handler may praise the dog
while waiting on the judge’s instructions or between each exercise. The judge’s
evaluation of the Down and Recall exercise ends once the handler acknowledges the
judge for completing the exercise. However the handler and dog team should
demonstrate heeling and control when reporting for the long down (honor) or
reporting back to the judge for completing the basic obedience exercise.
c. Scoring the Down and Recall Exercise. Scoring of this exercise
starts after the handler acknowledges the judge. The judge will be evaluating
all of the formal heeling, performance of the down, and the recall exercise.
The judge will also be evaluating the overall smoothness for performing the
entire exercise.
b) The dog will not come to the handler.
c) The dog follows the handler when leaving the dog in the down position.
d) The handler moves from the stationary position on the recall significantly.
b) Giving extra commands.
c) The dog anticipates the recall.
b) Creeping or moving slightly.
c) The dog heels improper for part of the routine.
d) Attitude of the dog is dull and not attentive to handler.
e) The dog could come faster.
f) Overall routine could be smoother.
g) Handler doesn’t acknowledge the judge.
h) Handler doesn’t know the routine.
b. Gate Exercise. The
Gate exercise begins by the handler reporting on leash with their dog to a
designated area determined by the judge. The handler will acknowledge the
judge. Then, with the dog in basic position, heel the dog toward a closed gate.
The handler will stop and sit the dog a minimum distance far enough back to
open a gate in either direction. After the sit, the handler may verbally or
with a small leash encouragement reinforce the sit command; the handle will
then drop the leash and leave the dog in a sit while he/she opens the gate. The
handler will then return to the dog’s right side, pick up the leash, and heel
the dog through the gate to a point where the gate can be closed without
touching the dog, when the handler reaches this point, the handler will sit the
dog, again, the handler may apply a verbal or small leash encouragement to sit,
drop the leash, and return to the gate and close/latch the gate. After closing
the gate, the handler returns back to dog’s right side, picks up the leash, and
then acknowledges the judge for proceeding to the next exercise. While
closing/latching the gate the handler may have placed the dog facing away from
the gate or facing the gate, but the dog must stay in the position it was left
in until the handler returns to the dog.
c. Scoring the Gate Exercise. The
dog and handler team should work smoothly as a team demonstrating a series of
obedience exercises that include two sit-stays and formal heeling. The dog
should automatically sit at each halt or when verbally command, demonstrate
proper heeling, and should remain stationary in each sit-stay exercise while
the handler leaves and returns each time to the dog.
b) The dog moves substancially or leaves on both sit-stay exercises.
c) The dog has to be forced through or pulled through the gate.
d) The dog interferes or strongly bothers another dog.
e) The dog is aggressive toward the judge or other people on the field.
f) The dog and handler may be scored zero or dismissed from the trial if any
abnormal behavior is determined by the judge.
b) The dog moves a significant amount from where it was placed.
c) The handler and dog cannot demonstrate proper heeling through the gate
d) Handler sits the dog too far back or close to the gate.
e) The dog whines or barks excessively.
f) Handler’s reinforced sit stay command is too harsh.
g) The dog shows pressure or shyness when the handler returns.
h) Handler’s pace performing the exercises is too slow or fast.
i) The dog relieves him/herself during the exercise.
j) Major imperfections will be assessed for any abnormal behavior determined by
the judge.
b) The dog is slow to sit at each halt.
c) The dog is slightly restless or moves a little during the sit-stays.
d) Heeling is slightly incorrect.
e) The dog is un-attentive to the handler
f) Handler doesn’t know the routine.
b. Loading Into and Out of a Vehicle Exercise. The Loading Into and Out of a Vehicle exercise starts from
the same location as the Gate exercise ended. After completing the Gate
Exercise and acknowledging the judge, the handler and dog performs heeling to a
location where a vehicle is waiting. Once reaching the vehicle, the handler
will halt and sit the dog at a distance far enough back from the vehicle to
open the door without touching the dog. The handler may give a verbal sit
command and a small leash encouragement to reinforce the sit/stay position and
then drops the leash, leaves the dog and opens the vehicle. Next, the handler
returns to the dog right side, picks up the leash and commands the dog to enter
the vehicle, once the dog has entered the vehicle, the handler will command the
dog to perform a down or sit; the handler will then look to the judge for the
indication to recall the dog back out of the vehicle. After receiving
acknowledgment from the judge, the handler commands the dog back out of the
vehicle and with another command back into the basic heel position or the handler may use one command to have the dog
exit the vehicle and return to the basic heel position. The handler then may give the dog a verbal and small
leash encouragement to sit/stay. The handler then drops the leash and re-closes
the vehicle. The handler then returns to the dog’s right side, picks up the
leash, acknowledges the judge and waits for an indication from the judge to
proceed to the next and final exercise; “Food Preparation”.
c. Scoring the Loading Into and out of Vehicle Exercise. The dog and
handler will be evaluated on their ability to perform the required exercises.
b) The dog jumps onto the vehicle with their feet prior to the vehicle being
opened.
c) The dog will not enter the vehicle or stay in the vehicle after two
commands.
f) Handler uses excessive force to get the dog to enter or leave the vehicle.
g) Handlers and dogs may be scored zero for any abnormal behavior determined by
the judge.
b) Dog moves or turns around while waiting in the sit position.
c) Dog and handler doesn’t demonstrate proper heeling going to the vehicle.
d) Handler’s reinforced sit stay command is too harsh.
e) Dogs that show pressure or shyness from their handler.
f) Handler’s pace performing the exercises is too slow or fast.
g) Dog that relieves itself during the exercise.
i) Major imperfections may be assessed for any behavior the judge determines as
abnormal for the routine.
b) Handler doesn’t acknowledge the judge.
c) Dog is slow to sit on each halt.
d) Heeling is slightly incorrect.
e) Dog is un-attentive to the handler.
f) Handler doesn’t know the routine.
g) Dog is dull in attitude and temperament toward performing the exercises.
h) The Judge may assess minor deductions for any un-described deviation from
the ideal performance.
b. Food Preparation Exercise. The
Food Preparation Exercise starts from the same location that the Loading Into
and Out of Vehicle ended. The handler will acknowledge the judge and heel the
dog to a location assigned by the judge that is approximately five yards away
from a container of dog food. Once the handler reaches this position, the
handler will halt/sit, then command the dog into a down position, drop the
leash, go to
the container and scoops out a bowl of dog food. The handler will place the
bowl of food on the ground near the base of the container. The handler will
then return to the right side of the dog, pick up the leash, and command the
dog verbally to sit. The handler will then acknowledge the judge for concluding
the exercise. After the exercise is complete, the handler will receive
instructions from the judge on where to report.
c. Scoring the Food Preparation Exercise. The handler and dog team will
be mainly evaluated on the ability of the handler to demonstrate that his/her
dog will perform a stationary down while food is being prepared without
interfering with the process.
b) The dog will not down after two command and leash assistance.
c) The dog leaves extremely early the down position and goes for the food
before the handler returns to the dog.
d) The handler uses a harsh leash correction to down the dog.
e) The judge may assess a zero score for any major abnormal behavior not
described.
b) The dog leaves the handler during heeling.
c) The dog breaks the down position as the handler returns.
d) The handler uses too much body language in downing and sitting the dog.
e) The handler looks back at the dog when leaving the dog going to the
container.
f) Dog relieves itself during the exercise.
g) The judge must assess a major deduction for any major deviation from the
ideal performance not described.
b) The dog is slow to perform any portion of the required exercises.
c) The dog anticipates commands.
d) Attitude is dull and un-attentive to the handler.
e) Handler doesn’t know the routine well.
f) The judge will assess a minor point deduction for any deviation from an
ideal performance not listed.